asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the reason the computerised directory inquiry service which had been tested and which was ready to be introduced last May has not been implemented.

While the equipment to enable the service to be introduced has been available in a number of centres for some months, one of the staff organisations concerned requested certain clarifications and assurances on operational matters following the introduction of the service in Drogheda last July. Discussions on these points were protracted and concluded only recently. The introduction of the system has now resumed and I expect it will be in service at all designated centres within three months.

Did the Minister say operational problems gave rise to the delay in introducing the service?

Yes, after assurances on operational matters.

Is it not the truth of the situation that industrial relations problems gave rise to the non-introduction of the service?

Where do we draw the line?

Were there industrial relations problems? Answer the question.

I have answered the question.

I asked the Minister a straight question. Did industrial relations problems give rise to the non-introduction of the service?

Surely the Deputy appreciates that operational matters are dealt with on a day-to-day basis by the trade unions. Of their very nature industrial relations must be involved.

Would the Minister of State agree that decisions taken by the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs gave rise to the industrial relations problems which did not allow this service to come into operation? That is the truth of the matter.

Ceist 54.

He does not know anything about it.

I have called Ceist 54.